3 38 snubs..Maybe a .357?

This is a discussion on 3 38 snubs..Maybe a .357? within the Defensive Carry Guns forums, part of the Defensive Carry Discussions category; Hi guys,
My Mother wants a 38 or .357 snubby that's a bit smaller than her .44 Mtn. Gun.
Choices.
Ruger LCR 38 or .357 ...

I will recommend the S&W Bodyguard 38 plus. It comes with integrated laser and it is very easy to shoot. I guess the ergos help absorve some of the recoil despite the small handguard. I shot the LCR and bodyguard side by side and I walked away from the range/LGS with a new Bodyguard.

For defensive use, unless she's carrying while hiking in bear country, a .38 in standard or +P flavors will work just fine. .357s in snubs are big on the thunder and lightning quotient but also a bear to handle and to recover from to get a quick sight picture for the follow-up shot.

The Mountain Gun she has is already about 39 ounces, so even an all-steel J-frame snub at about 20 ounces is half the weight of what she has today... I'd resist the urge to go to an even lighter gun. My Taurus lightweight at 17 ounces gets to be real tiresome after a couple dozen rounds, but I can shoot its 23-ounce all-steel brother all day. Just something to consider.

Would the rather strange cyllnder release be a no go for someone who already shoot as Smith,
and had a SP-101?

Her Mtn. Gun isn't going anywhere though.

The Ruger cylinder release is more natural to use than either the S&W or the Colt latches. Almost anywhere your thumb lands, apply pressure and the cylinder will open.

If carrying in a pocket or a purse is a likelihood, the integral shroud of the Bodyguard series is a huge advantage. Although I don't advocate the use of single action in a snub, its presence allows the user some options. My lightweight Taurus is a Bodyguard clone, chosen deliberately.

A shame about that Mountain Gun staying in place, but I understand completely. <sigh>

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